Abersoch, N Wales

A little nearer to us in Didsbury, time/travel wise, than Portmeirion, is Abersoch on the east-facing south coast of the Llŷn Peninsula, North Wales. Get the weather right, and because of its secluded location, it can be quite balmy. It’s also a bit of a home from home in the summer, as the North West seems to decamp, to enjoy the beach life. It’s becoming increasingly more fashionable for the hip young things, who love not only the beaches and the cafe culture, but also the sailing & watersports on offer. Shops in the village are largely independent, which adds to the Abersoch charm. Not bad, for a couple of hours away from Manchester…

Abersoch Beach

Abersoch Beach

Abersoch Harbour

Abersoch Harbour

Abersoch can get very crowded, especially in the summer months, so a great escape is to Porth Neigwl – or Hell’s Mouth. This is an expansive stretch of beach – a mixture of sand and stones, and exposed to the crashing Atlantic waves, making it popular with surfers. Winter is a particularly beautiful time to visit Hell’s Mouth as you can virtually be guaranteed a private beach becasue it is so cold 😉

Hell’s Mouth

Hell’s Mouth

A bit further down the coast, within the Snowdonia National Park, is Harlech – another expansive beach, and with the additional attraction of a imposing medieval castle (UNESCO heritage site), built by Edward I between 1283 and 1285 on a prominent rock overlooking the bay. The beach is not just flat sand – the beautiful sand dunes here are a prized feature, the reason behind the area’s designation as a National Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest. It’s an expansive beach, so perfect for walking – and even in the height of summer, you’ll still find plenty of space to settle down for the day. We love it in the winter, when it just feels more dramatic and more beautiful.